Unified Government AmeriCorps Programs

UG VISTA co-brand 2020

About AmeriCorps

Serving with AmeriCorps is an opportunity for individuals of many ages and backgrounds to give their time and talent to strengthen communities. AmeriCorps is a federal agency that brings people together to tackle the county’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture.

How can I serve?

The Unified Government is committed to civic innovation, job creation, economic development, and the health of Wyandotte County residents and the Unified Government AmeriCorps Program is contributing in big ways! The Unified Government and AmeriCorps partnership encompasses two community focused programs: The AmeriCorps VISTA Program and the Public Health AmeriCorps Program.

Key Principles & Focus Areas

  • Key Principles
    • Anti-Poverty Focus
    • Sustainable Solutions
    • Community Engagement
    • Capacity Building
  • Focus Areas
    • Economic Opportunity
    • Healthy Futures

AmeriCorps VISTA Program

About

Fight poverty by helping an organization to expand its capacity to make change. Apply your skills to help non-profits, faith-based and community organizations coordinate projects, fundraise, recruit volunteers, conduct outreach, and so much more.

As a member in the VISTA program, you serve full time for one-year (365 Days). You will build capacity in nonprofit organizations and public agencies to help them more effectively generate the commitment of private sector resources, encourage volunteer service at the local level, and empower individuals and communities.

Be a part of the amazing work in the Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS community. Becoming an AmeriCorps VISTA member is a great opportunity for someone looking to gain experience in local government or nonprofit organizations.

Benefits

AmeriCorps VISTA Member Benefits Offered

  • Bi-weekly living stipend 
  • Choice of Segal Education Award* or End-of-Term Cash Stipend
  • Learn more about benefits and AmeriCorps VISTA Program
  • Please note some benefits are contingent on eligibility

*If you select the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, you will receive the award after your service to use on future educational expenses or to pay back qualified student loans. The value is dependent on length of service. Members 55+ are eligible to transfer their Education Award to a family member.

Additional Benefits Offered

  • Noncompetitive Eligibility (NCE) status for federal employment.
  • Monthly housing stipend payable to a landlord or other third party.
  • Access to professional development training.
  • Access to Healthcare Benefits Plans.
  • 80 hours of personal leave and 80 hours of sick leave.
  • Relocation assistance if moving more than 50 miles to a new community to serve.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be 18 years or older (no upper age limit).
  • Hold one of the following citizenship or legal residency statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. Green Card status), and persons legally residing within a state.

How to Apply

The Wyandotte County AmeriCorps VISTA Program is always looking for motivated, passionate and community focused individuals who are eager to share their knowledge and skill-set to help positively impact Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. Applying to become an AmeriCorps VISTA takes a few simple steps in the application and interview process.

Please visit My AmeriCorps to search for service opportunities. If you are interested in more information regarding a position within the AmeriCorps VISTA program, as an initial application step, please email your resume to americorps@wycokck.org. In the body of the email please be sure to include which position(s) you are interested in applying for. To assist you in the application process, please click the link below to view the AmeriCorps VISTA Checklist.


Public Health AmeriCorps Program

About

AmeriCorps has partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create Public Health AmeriCorps. Serving with AmeriCorps puts you in an environment that propels your personal development, opens new career paths, and promotes lifelong civic engagement. Join the movement to address urgent public health needs. From the back office to the frontlines, there’s a place for you with Public Health AmeriCorps.

Benefits of Service

Public Health AmeriCorps Member Benefits Offered

Members of the WYCO Public Health AmeriCorps program have the following benefits:

  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award which you will receive after your service to use on future educational expenses or to pay back qualified student loans. The value is dependent on length of service. Members 55+ are eligible to transfer their Education Award to a family member.
  • Living allowance
  • Member assistance program
  • Student loan deferment and forbearance
  • College and university match
  • Professional development training

Currently, the program is not offering any member slots greater than half-time; this includes full-time and three quarter-time; therefore, there are no benefits for health insurance and childcare benefits as stated in other Public Health AmeriCorps programs throughout the country. Public Health AmeriCorps members can serve 450, 675, or 900 hours of service. Member living stipend varies on number of hours being served and member start date. 

Eligibility Requirements

To serve in AmeriCorps State and National, you must:

  • Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service. If an individual is under 18, parental consent is required to participate in an AmeriCorps Kansas Program.
  • Have a high school diploma, diploma completion certificate/GED, or agree to obtain such before using the education award.
  • Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident requirement.
  • Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria.
  • Be available Monday to Friday between 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM; some weekends and evenings required.

How to Apply

The Wyandotte County AmeriCorps VISTA Program is always looking for motivated, passionate and community focused individuals who are eager to share their knowledge and skill-set to help positively impact Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. Applying to become an AmeriCorps VISTA takes a few simple steps in the application and interview process.

Please visit My AmeriCorps to search for service opportunities. If you are interested in more information regarding a position within the AmeriCorps VISTA program, as an initial application step, please email your resume to americorps@wycokck.org. In the body of the email please be sure to include which position(s) you are interested in applying for. To assist you in the application process, please click the link below to view the AmeriCorps VISTA Checklist.